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Pregnancy and Lupus

Hi
I have lupus...I was diagnosed nine (9) years ago at the age of 20. I have kidney failure also, and have had a kidney transplant for six (6) years now, thanks god...I haven't had any rejections, or flare ups so I think I have been doing pretty good. :lol: My doctors are pleased with my progress. Well now I wish to have a baby...Yeah....I wish to mess up a good thing....
I am really interested in hearing from anyone who has had children with lupus or transplanted organs.
I am very excited about having a baby, and at the same time scared. I have talked to all my doctors and they are all on board with this. I am currently in the process of changing my medications so that we can begin trying to conceive. I have questions that I can't ask a doctor, you know they know the medical side and how my labs should look. But the wouldn't understand the nervousness that I feel. I really would like to talk with someone who understands, what I am feeling.

I have decided to not have children to avoid the things that you have been through - kidney failure & transplant. It took a long time to get my kidney flare under control. I was told by a nephrologist that if you aren't in lupus remission, then you aren't eligible for a kidney transplant, as it will just affect your new kidney. I worry about not being around for a child if I got really sick during or immediately after pregnancy, which is possible.

Anyhoo, I wish you luck and hope the best for your health. I know that the hormones from pregnany & breastfeeding can cause lupus flares. I have been told that the first trimester, often people feel better from their lupus than they ever have, but things can be really bad in the 2nd & 3rd.

Also, I'm sure you have had a recent lupus anticoagulant panel done to see if you are at increased risk for blood clots and miscarriage.

Montice
Hello there I to have kidney problems not a transplant though I had gotten pregnant on plaquenil and prednisone and continued taking them through my pregnancy I thank god my baby was ok actually she was perfect and i think as long as your lupus is in remission you should go for it, children are a wonderful thing actually we plan on haveing more in a few years, my pregnancy was a little different i seen the docs alot more and did hasve to have a c-section but all in all everything was ok. well hope that helps good luck.
Mary

I know how scary it can be.... I'm 29 as well and I'm also trying to have a baby. My situation is different though because I have had no organ damage. But, my doctors tell me there is still risk to the baby (neo-natal lupus). They say it is rare (3%) but just hearing those words are scary. And then of course not knowing if you will get better or worse. Be sure and find a pre-natal specialist that you can talk to and feel comfortable with their expertise. I found a really good one who answered my questions and was not afraid to tell me all the negative and positves about the possible pregnacy. Keep smiling and stay positive and just go with your gut. If you feel it's the right thing then proceed. And of course prayer helps!

How funny. I am also 29 and trying to conceive. I also do not have any organ damage. What I am doing though is making a consultation appointment or what the dr office calls 'a meet and greet' with a perinatologist (high risk obgyn). I just want to speak to him ahead of time and get as much info as possible from him. My rheumie has already told me that now would be the best time to conceive for me as I've been in remission for a while now. I wish all of you the best of luck in conceiving. I'm so excited I can barely stand it. LOL.